ome education, I see."

"Well," Copper smiled, "I didn't think you wanted a stupid woman. I can
read--and since you are around so seldom nowadays, there is little else
to do. I've been reading history, medicine, and novels," she finished
proudly.

"A fine catholic selection," Kennon said, "Now if you add mathematics,
sociology, and philosophy you'll have a well-rounded basic education."

"Dr. Brainard has been trying something he calls 'hypno.' He says it
will help me learn faster. But I can't see that it's done much good."

"You won't until you need the information," Kennon said.

"That technique is only good for implanting basic knowledge, and much of
that will merely supplement or complete that which you already have. You
won't be conscious of it."

"Oh--I think I see what you mean."

"Of course, you'll have to continue your formal education. There's a
great deal for you to learn. It should keep you busy while I'm away."

"Away? Where are you going?"

"Back to Kardon."

"But you can't! Alexander will destroy you."

"I think not. After all, ten years have elapsed since we left there and
he's had plenty of time to think. Douglas must have told him about us.
I wouldn't be surprised if he has already done something about your
people."

She shivered. "He might--but the question is what would he do? He could
have killed them all!"

Kennon shook his head. "I don't think so. He never struck me as a mass
murderer."

She shook her head. "You don't know the Alexanders like I do. I was
raised by them. They're capable of anything. But what is this business
of ten years? That's silly. I haven't had my child yet--and it doesn't
take ten years of pregnancy to produce a baby."

"It's the difference between subjective and objective time," Kennon
said. "We traveled here through hyperspace--low Cth--in an uncompensated
ship, and there is little temporal flow in the levels below the blue."

"Oh--of course."

Kennon chuckled. "That would have been Greek to you a couple of weeks
ago. See where that basic data fits?"

"But I've always known that."

"You just think you have. Search your memory and see if I'm not right."

Copper shook her head. "It's very strange," she said. "But that's not
important. This idea of going back to Kardon, though--that's a different
thing--that is important."

"I have to do it. Not only because it's a personal moral obligation but
also because of the Lani. They must have their freedom."